CHICOPEE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Nayeli Martinez, a 17-year-old senior at the Hampden Charter School of Science, was surprised with recognition as January’s Gary Rome Auto Group Surprise Squad Super Student.

Martinez has maintained a high GPA while managing an autoimmune disorder that requires monthly infusions, working two part-time jobs, and volunteering in her community. “Back in 2020, she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder and, because of that, she gets monthly infusions, but through all those adversities and challenges, she’s been able to balance everything and just strive to do great at school,” said Luis Martinez, Nayeli’s father who nominated her for the recognition.

Martinez’s dedication to helping others began at age five when she wanted to raise money for Shriner’s Hospital. “She said, ‘Yeah, I saw a kid with no legs and I wanted to help them,’” he added.

She has since participated in missionary work in Honduras, helping to raise over $500 for materials and projects during the trip. Martinez is also involved in Honor Society, Key Club, and yearbook at school and works at CVS while maintaining her academic commitments.

Gary Rome presented Martinez with a $1,000 scholarship during the surprise ceremony at her school. “Congratulations. I’ve heard so much about you. You’re an amazing student. You’re a hard worker. You work at CVS, Honor Society, Key Club, yearbook, all that stuff. It’s amazing, so I’m glad that we could recognize you as this month’s Gary Rome Auto Group Surprise Squad Super Student,” he said.

Martinez plans to attend Westfield State University to pursue forensic psychology. “Growing up, so many people have helped me, you know, and I want to just give back and help others as well,” Martinez said.

William MacKinnon, Martinez’s AP Psychology and AP Research teacher, said she serves as a model for other students. “I think the idea of kind of like modeling behavior for your peers is super important and I think Nayeli is truly a model for what her peers should do. Her peers observe kind of her energy in the class and build off of it,” he explained.

Rome said Martinez exemplifies the qualities the program seeks to recognize. “What I love about her is she’s a power of example to others. There are other students that want to be like her and, you know, it’s nice to get acknowledged, but they just want to do the right thing,” he noted.

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